‘Our Sydney Consulate is monitoring events’ – Minister Helen McEntee shares update on ‘horror’ Bondi Beach terror attack

At least 12 people were killed in a Bondi Beach terror attack
MINISTER for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has blasted the “antisemitic attack” on the Jewish community at Bondi Beach – as she issued an update on Irish citizens in Sydney.

At least 12 people were killed in a Bondi Beach terror attack after two gunmen opened fire during a Hannukah party, police confirmed.

Minister McEntee confirmed their Consulate in Sydney is keeping in contact with Irish citizens there. 

She said: “I want to express my shock and horror at the antisemitic attack on a Jewish community celebrating first day of Hanukkah which took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney over recent hours. 

“All my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones and the people of Australia.”

The Minister said it appears no Irish citizens have been involved in the attack as of Sunday morning.

She continued: “At this point, we are not aware of any Irish citizens who have been impacted directly by these awful events. 

“Our Consulate in Sydney is continuing to monitor events and will remain in close contact with Irish citizens and the community locally.”

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was “appalled” to hear of the gun attack this morning.

He said: “I am shocked and appalled by the gun attack targeting Sydney’s Jewish community that has left at least twelve dead and dozens more injured.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of those lost, the injured, the first responders, and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time.

“There can be no place for hatred or violence anywhere, in particular at a time of celebration for many as people gathered to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach.

“At a lecture honouring the historian Dermot Keogh just two days ago, I noted that antisemitism has been one of the most consistent and pernicious prejudices throughout history, providing the foundation for murderous outrages in many eras and many places.

“This latest evil act in Sydney is a further manifestation of the murderous hate spawned by antisemitism.”

Tanaiste Simon Harris said he was “horrified” and extended his thoughts to the victims’ families. 

He said: “Our thoughts are with all those impacted and their families, with the people of Australia and the Jewish community during this time of profound pain. 

“The spectre of hate and violence must never be tolerated.”

INVESTIGATION

Gunshots rang out across the beachfront Archer Park as panic tore through the crowd, sending dozens of families sprinting from the sand and nearby streets on Sunday.

Cops confirmed 12 people died at the scene, including one of the gunmen. The second suspect remains in critical condition.

Detectives are probing if a third gunmen was involved.

The force said at least another 29 people – including children – were injured in the attack and rushed to hospitals across Sydney.

Two officers were also shot and wounded during the chaos.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, said the attack “was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community”.

He said: “What should have been night of joy and peace… has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.”